Inclusion London evidence to Equality Act inquiry
Inclusion London responded to the Lords Select committee call for evidence for their inquiry into the Equality Act 2010, and Disability.
Inclusion London responded to the Lords Select committee call for evidence for their inquiry into the Equality Act 2010, and Disability. The response is available to download below:
Inclusion London evidence Equality Act Inquiry Disabilities
Summary of the key points raised in the response:
The Equality Act 2010 is vital piece of legislation, but progress in Disabled people’s equality has slowed since its introduction, especially when compared to progress under the DDA.
Gaps in the Equality Act 2010:
We believe that the Equality Act should support the 12 pillars of independent living (see appendix) and the rights in UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRDP),[1] which the UK ratified in 2009.
Other gaps include:
- The provision on dual discrimination needs to be brought into effect.
- Public Sector Socio-economic Duty needs to be introduced.
- The Equality Act offence for refusing to take a Disabled person in a taxi needs to be enacted.
- Public sector procurement: A specific equality duty to be introduced directed at promoting equality through public procurement.
Gaps in other areas of law:
- Parity in hate crime law for Disabled people is needed.
- The law needs to be changed to permit job-sharing for MPs
- Changes in legal aid need to be reversed
- Changes in employment law need to be reversed.
Reasonable adjustments: Support is needed from those at the top of national government to increase implementation throughout the public and private sectors as many organisations are failing to make reasonable adjustments.
Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED), Specific duties: Progress has slowed since the introduction of the Equality Act. PSED need to be promoted by national government to increase implementation and Disability Equality Schemes need to become a statutory requirement again.
EHRC should be retained to monitor, promote and enforce equality and human rights. It should be well funded and completely independent. The EHRC should fund a ‘shadow UNCRPD report by DDPOs. Be able to taken on individual cases and continue to intervene in PSED cases and hold inquiries.
Current enforcement mechanisms available to individuals
Reversal of legal aid changes is needed because they are having a disproportional impact on Disabled people and prevent access to justice.
Other legislative or non-legislative measures
An assessment of the full impact of all cuts to support and social care for Disabled people is urgently needed.